Michael was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to ensure her children had everything they could want. At the height of her career, she made a dramatic shift, leaving everything behind to go into ministry, which Michael describes as going from “riches to rags.” While he now understands that this decision was the best for his mother and their family, at the time, it was a difficult adjustment. Though his mother was often absent due to her demanding career, she justified it by providing for him financially. Michael, who played semi-pro soccer, struggled with feelings of abandonment, especially without his father around, and sought the affirmation he missed from coaches.

A people-pleaser by nature, Michael’s world shifted when his mother left her job, and they were left struggling to make ends meet. At 18, after graduating early, Michael left home and started working. He was good at sales and communication, but his life took a drastic turn one day when he was involved in a high-speed car chase and was hit at 120 mph. The accident left him with a fractured vertebra, unable to walk. His boss was incredibly kind, continuing to pay him while he was recovering, but this also marked the beginning of Michael’s struggle with addiction. He was prescribed Percocet for pain relief, which he describes as a “magical pill” that numbed him emotionally. Over time, he began to abuse the medication and eventually started seeking it on the streets when his prescription ended.

Despite his addiction, Michael worked hard throughout his twenties and managed to open his own business. He had a platform to speak to crowds, a beautiful home, and was raising his daughters. However, by the time he reached twenty-seven, he realized he had developed a significant ego problem, as the money and success became too much to manage. His addiction intensified, and by his ninth overdose, he knew something serious was happening. Michael was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, put on dialysis, and given a year to live without a transplant. After selling his business and setting up a trust for his daughters, Michael overdosed once more—this time purposefully. Miraculously, he woke up and was sent to Chapel Hill, where doctors found nothing wrong with his kidneys. He believes that’s when he was healed but also felt angered by the fact that he had sold his empire to his daughters, who weren’t even speaking to him at that time.

Michael knew God was trying to get his attention. Despite his struggles, he had a praying mother with healthy boundaries, which played a pivotal role in his journey. After some time, Michael found himself in a desperate situation—arrested for larceny. During the 60 days he spent in jail, he came to understand why things had spiraled out of control. He had replaced God with his addiction. He realized that he needed help. He desperately wanted to understand who he truly was and rebuild his life.

Michael entered a local detox program and was placed in a two-year recovery program in Raleigh. The night before he was about to leave, he was asked if he would consider going to Rebound, Charlotte Rescue Mission’s program for men. He left, with nothing but the clothes on his back and no goodbyes he committed himself to the 120-day program. What he found at Rebound was life changing. He had never heard of a place that would restore him in such a holistic way. He was given clothes, shoes, and a place to sleep. Donated items from generous people helped provide basic needs for the residents. Michael likened it to the “Marriott of rehab”—a big shift from the days he had spent homeless in the woods.

At Rebound, Michael was surrounded by passionate, selfless staff who encouraged him to dig deeper to uncover the root of his issues. He realized that structure and responsibility were key to breaking down his addiction. Hungry for purpose, he embraced the support and began his healing process. Michael’s journey wasn’t easy, but it led him to the transformation he needed.

Michael finally began to understand that to truly overcome his addiction, he needed structure. It was through one-on-one, heartfelt discussions at Rebound that he learned to listen to his trauma and take accountability for his actions. He discovered the importance of responsibility, and he recognized that recovery involved more than just breaking free from addiction—it was about personal growth. Michael used to see himself and others through a negative lens, but at Rebound, he experienced a shift. He began to recognize love, patience, and the power of mindset transformation. The environment fostered growth and healing, and he found a sponsor who supported him through the process.

A verse that resonated with him was Proverbs 23:7: “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This verse challenged him to let go of pride and embrace spirituality. It reminded him to do better, not just for himself but for others. Michael realized addiction was just a symptom of a deeper issue, and with this newfound clarity, he started feeling good, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.

In 2024, Michael graduated from Charlotte Rescue Mission, marking a major turning point in his life. He found a full-time job as a server and through Charlotte Mission’s Recovery Living Program, he was provided with an apartment. He is living with other men who are focused on success. Michael has returned to school and is pursuing his passion for cosmetology. Michael believes in this path and hopes he will be able to connect with others in a meaningful way. Michael says, “I see every client who will sit in my chair as a chance to connect and make a positive impact. I want to use my skills to uplift others, helping them feel more confident and better about themselves.”

Despite his busy lifestyle—with a full-time job and school—he’s in awe of how quickly God has restored him. Michael will soon be off probation, and through this journey, he’s learned that prayer doesn’t always come in the form he expects, but that God always provides. He now has the tools to live a life where recovery looks good.

Through the life-changing support of Charlotte Rescue Mission, Michael has been able to make incredible strides in his personal journey. He has begun making amends with his daughters, understanding the reasons they had distanced themselves from him. Today, he is a successful co-parent with their mother, able to financially support his children and take full responsibility for his past mistakes. By reaching out to those he hurt, he has received immense support, encouragement, and, most importantly, forgiveness. Michael’s transformation is a powerful testament to the healing power of recovery, faith, and his unwavering willingness to change.